Open Rank-Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist

Aurora, CO, US Senior Research Scientist

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About This Role

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Research Faculty

Description University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Emergency Medicine

Job Title: Open Rank\-Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist

Position \#00830859 – Requisition \# 40758

Job Summary:

The incumbent filling this position will serve at the rank of Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist and will lead statistical and epidemiologic analyses of clinical data. This is a full\-time (1\.0 FTE) faculty position in a fast\-paced research lab with long\-term, stable federal grant funding. Work will occur on campus (in\-person).

The incumbent will be a full\-time member of the Cape\-Colorado\-Combat (C3\) Global Trauma Network Lab and will support research related to trauma and emergency medicine, primarily in South Africa. The incumbent will work under supervision of the C3 Lab Principal Investigator (PI), alongside a highly collaborative multi\-disciplinary team of clinician\-investigators, doctoral\-level biostatisticians, Masters\-level analysts and programmers, a program manager, professional research assistants, and other research staff.

The successful candidate will have relevant expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, or health data sciences. They will have a passion for collaborative research (team science) and will contribute to study design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing in the lab. Specific tasks will include (although not limited to) designing and writing statistical analysis plans, conducting advanced statistical analysis in SAS or R, and supporting the presentation and publication of results. In addition, the candidate should be able to work independently, manage a portfolio of concurrent projects, and have strong communication skills.

The job is in\-person and duties will be performed on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.

Domestic travel may be intermittently required to attend domestic scientific conferences/meetings or to present to stakeholder groups. International travel is not required but is recommended to help improve the incumbent’s understanding of the foreign context and health system where the research takes place.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide biostatistical expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis, and manuscript preparation;
  • Collaborate with clinician\-investigators, Emergency Medicine research faculty and staff to develop scientifically rigorous analytic plans that address clinically relevant research questions;
  • Conduct advanced statistical analysis in SAS or R. Specific methods will include causal inference, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, machine learning, and clinical trials. Experience with genomic/metabolic analyses is not required;
  • Produce high\-quality visual representations of data and results;
  • Clearly communicate statistical methods and statistical findings to a multi\-disciplinary team;
  • Collaborate with other research team members to co\-author and first\-author abstracts, oral and poster presentations, and scientific manuscripts;
  • Support, mentor, and collaborate with junior research staff to strengthen the lab’s data collection, data management, and data curation practices;
  • Develop relevant subject\-matter expertise, become a significant contributor in collaborations, and shape the research direction of the team.

Compared to the Research Scientist, the Senior Research Scientist will:

  • Develop and conduct more complex analyses;
  • Exercise more autonomy in duties;
  • Assume larger managerial roles in mentoring and supervising other C3 Lab staff involved in data analyses, such as junior statisticians, data analysts, and research assistants;
  • Collaborate on grant application writing, including study design, analysis plans, and sample size calculations.

The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business needs. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Emergency Medicine conducts ground\-breaking research into areas such as trauma, injury prevention, global health, opioid misuse, critical care, mental health, pharmacogenomics, toxicology, and healthcare policy. The Department values team members who are eager to pursue further training and exciting career growth as a researcher and professional.

The C3 Global Trauma Network, led by principal investigator (PI) Dr. Nee\-Kofi Mould\-Millman, MD PhD MSCS, seeks to generate high\-quality evidence to improve trauma and injury care in resource\-constrained settings. The C3 Network is comprised of multi\-disciplinary collaborators from the United States and South Africa, and its work is designed to benefit both global civilian and US military populations. Through observational and interventional research, the C3 Network seeks to improve outcomes for the most critical trauma patients, including those experiencing major bleeding, major head injuries, or injuries from severe mechanisms such as gun violence or car crashes. The C3 Network has a strong track record of NIH and U.S. Department of Defense funding and dozens of published peer\-reviewed manuscripts and scientific presentations.

The C3 Lab is the scientific core of the C3 Network and serves as the Network’s data and analytic hub. The C3 Lab operates within the Department of Emergency Medicine and is located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. The C3 Lab is comprised of a program manager, data managers, coders/analysts/programmers, professional research assistants, and other clinician\-investigators who all work on\-site. The Lab fosters a highly productive and collaborative environment and is strongly committed to conducting rigorous and high\-quality research.

The C3 Lab is not a “wet lab.” We analyze epidemiologic and clinical data. We do not conduct bench research.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical: Multiple plan options
  • Dental: Multiple plan options
  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
  • Holiday Days: 11/year
  • Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
  • ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks \& programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

*Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.*

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Open Rank: Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

Research Scientist:

  • Doctoral Degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, health\-related data science, or related field.
  • At least two years of experience working in an academic medical or research setting (post\-doctoral training period may be counted towards the two years’ experience).
  • 1 or more publication as co\-author or named collaborator
  • Strong programming skills in SAS and/or R.

Senior Research Scientist:

  • Doctoral Degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, health\-related data science, or related field.
  • At least four years of experience working in an academic medical or research setting (post\-doctoral training period may be counted towards the three years’ experience).
  • 3 or more publications as co\-author or named collaborator
  • Experience preparing grant applications
  • Strong programming skills in SAS and/or R.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least five years of experience working in an academic medical or research setting
  • Methodologic expertise in several of the following: Causal inference, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, machine learning, geographic information systems (GIS), and clinical trials
  • Prior experience curating analytical datasets from clinical data sources (e.g. EMR, EHR, or abstracted clinical records) to conduct clinical research
  • Previous experience identifying and applying novel quantitative approaches to solve complex analytic problems
  • Prior success collaborating as a statistician and/or methodologist on a multi\-disciplinary team
  • Strong interest or previous experience working in global health, emergency care, or trauma\-related research
  • Experience in presenting at seminars and scientific meetings
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage timelines for multiple research projects simultaneously
  • Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Highly self\-motivated
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Proactive communicator
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to think creatively and work independently
  • Effective team player
  • Positive attitude
  • Ability to solve complex problems
  • Effective project management and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects or requests simultaneously
  • Strong knowledge of basic statistical principles relevant in medical research
  • An innate desire to learn

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1\. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2\. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3\. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu\-careers.

Questions should be directed to: EMED Human Resources at [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

This position may be seeking multiple candidates. Positions will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout the posting period. Upon candidate(s) selection, the posting will be closed, and no further applications will be accepted.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (*or hiring range*) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

Research Scientist: starts at $90,000 and goes up from there based on years of experience.

Research Senior Scientist: starts at $100,000 and goes up from there based on years of experience.

The above salary range (*or hiring range*) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non\-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID\-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References

Job Category: Faculty

Primary Location: Aurora

Department: U0001 \- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver \- 20353 \- SOM\-EM MED CLINICAL

Schedule: Full\-time

Posting Date: Aug 7, 2026

Unposting Date: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: EMED Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: [email protected]

Position Number: 00830859

Role Details

Title Open Rank-Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist
Location Aurora, CO, US
Category Research Scientist
Experience Senior
Salary Not disclosed
Remote No

About This Role

Research Scientists push the boundaries of what AI can do. They design experiments, develop novel architectures, publish papers, and translate research breakthroughs into production capabilities. This is where the fundamental advances happen, from attention mechanisms to diffusion models to reasoning chains.

The work is intellectually demanding and often ambiguous. You might spend months on an approach that doesn't pan out. The best research scientists combine deep mathematical intuition with engineering pragmatism. They know when to go deep on theory and when to run experiments. They read papers voraciously and can spot incremental contributions from genuine breakthroughs.

Across the 4,317 AI roles we're tracking, Research Scientist positions make up 4% of the market. At University of Colorado, this role fits into their broader AI and engineering organization.

Research Scientist roles are concentrated at major AI labs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta FAIR) and well-funded AI startups. The competition is intense. PhD is effectively required for most positions, and publication track record matters. Compensation is among the highest in AI, reflecting both the scarcity of talent and the strategic importance of research breakthroughs.

What the Work Looks Like

A typical week includes: reading and discussing recent papers with your team, designing and running experiments on multi-GPU clusters, analyzing results and iterating on hypotheses, writing up findings for internal review or publication, and collaborating with engineering teams to productionize promising results. The ratio of thinking to coding is higher than in engineering roles.

Research Scientist roles are concentrated at major AI labs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta FAIR) and well-funded AI startups. The competition is intense. PhD is effectively required for most positions, and publication track record matters. Compensation is among the highest in AI, reflecting both the scarcity of talent and the strategic importance of research breakthroughs.

Skills in Demand for This Role

Python (52% of roles) Aws (28% of roles) Azure (22% of roles) Rag (21% of roles) Gcp (15% of roles) Pytorch (15% of roles) Prompt Engineering (14% of roles) Kubernetes (13% of roles)

PhD strongly preferred for most roles. Deep expertise in a specific area (NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, multimodal) is expected. PyTorch is the standard. Publication track record matters. Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, optimization, and information theory are assumed.

Beyond the fundamentals, companies value experience with large-scale distributed training, novel architecture design, and the ability to bridge theory and practice. Understanding of current frontier topics (reasoning, multimodal, long-context, alignment) is essential. Code quality matters more than many researchers expect. Labs want researchers who can implement their ideas cleanly.

Strong research postings specify the research area, mention the team you'd join, and describe the problems they're working on. They often list recent publications from the team. Vague 'AI research' postings without specifics usually mean the company wants to sound impressive but doesn't have a real research agenda.

Compensation Benchmarks

Research Scientist roles pay a median of $222,200 based on 378 positions with disclosed compensation. Senior-level AI roles across all categories have a median of $227,400.

Across all AI roles, the market median is $215,000. Top-quartile compensation starts at $266,300. The 90th percentile reaches $320,790. For comparison, the highest-paying categories include AI Safety ($287,500) and Research Engineer ($272,100). By seniority level: Entry: $110,000; Mid: $194,400; Senior: $227,400; Director: $274,554; VP: $241,000.

University of Colorado AI Hiring

University of Colorado has 1 open AI role right now. They're hiring across Research Scientist. Based in Aurora, CO, US.

Location Context

Across all AI roles, 15% (635 positions) offer remote work, while 3,657 require on-site attendance. Top AI hiring metros: New York (1,650 roles, $220,000 median); San Francisco (1,335 roles, $265,000 median); Los Angeles (708 roles, $214,112 median).

Career Path

Common paths into Research Scientist roles include PhD Student, Research Engineer, Postdoc.

From here, career progression typically leads toward Research Lead, Distinguished Scientist, VP of Research.

The PhD is the entry point for most paths. Choose your advisor and research area carefully since they'll define your first industry position. Publish consistently, contribute to open-source projects in your area, and build relationships at conferences. Industry research offers better compensation and compute resources than academia, but the pressure to show product impact is real.

What to Expect in Interviews

Research interviews are multi-stage: a research talk (present your best paper), technical deep-dives on your methodology, and often a 'research proposal' exercise where you design an experiment to test a hypothesis. Coding rounds test implementation ability alongside theoretical knowledge. Be prepared to implement a paper from scratch and discuss the design choices the authors made. Strong candidates can critique papers constructively and identify gaps in experimental methodology.

When evaluating opportunities: Strong research postings specify the research area, mention the team you'd join, and describe the problems they're working on. They often list recent publications from the team. Vague 'AI research' postings without specifics usually mean the company wants to sound impressive but doesn't have a real research agenda.

AI Hiring Overview

The AI job market has 4,317 open positions tracked in our dataset. By seniority: 138 entry-level, 2,071 mid-level, 1,655 senior, and 453 leadership roles (Director, VP, C-Level). Remote roles make up 15% of the market (635 positions). The remaining 3,657 roles require on-site or hybrid attendance.

The market median for AI roles is $215,000. Top-quartile compensation starts at $266,300. The 90th percentile reaches $320,790. Highest-paying categories: AI Safety ($287,500 median, 34 roles); Research Engineer ($272,100 median, 227 roles); AI Engineering Manager ($244,000 median, 23 roles).

Research Scientist roles are concentrated at major AI labs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta FAIR) and well-funded AI startups. The competition is intense. PhD is effectively required for most positions, and publication track record matters. Compensation is among the highest in AI, reflecting both the scarcity of talent and the strategic importance of research breakthroughs.

The AI Job Market Today

The AI job market spans 4,317 open positions across 15 role categories. The largest categories by volume: AI/ML Engineer (3,004), Data Scientist (345), AI Software Engineer (309). These three account for the majority of open positions, though smaller categories often have higher per-role compensation because of specialized skill requirements.

The seniority mix tells a story about where AI teams are in their maturity. Entry-level roles (138) are outnumbered by mid-level (2,071) and senior (1,655) positions, reflecting that most companies are past the 'build a team from scratch' phase and need experienced engineers who can ship production systems. Leadership roles (Director, VP, C-Level) total 453 positions, representing the bottleneck between technical execution and organizational strategy.

Remote work availability sits at 15% of all AI roles (635 positions), with 3,657 requiring on-site or hybrid attendance. The remote share has stabilized after the post-pandemic correction. Senior and specialized roles (Research Scientist, ML Architect) are more likely to be remote-eligible than entry-level positions, partly because experienced hires have more negotiating power and partly because these roles require less hands-on mentorship.

AI compensation is structured in clear tiers. The market median sits at $215,000. Top-quartile roles start at $266,300, and the 90th percentile reaches $320,790. These figures include base salary with disclosed compensation. Total compensation (including equity, bonuses, and sign-on) runs 20-40% higher at companies that offer those components.

Category matters for compensation. AI Safety roles lead at $287,500 median, while Prompt Engineer roles sit at $145,000. The spread between highest and lowest-paying categories reflects the premium on specialized technical skills versus broader analytical roles.

The most in-demand skills across all AI postings: Python (2,249 postings), Aws (1,224 postings), Azure (938 postings), Rag (915 postings), Gcp (660 postings), Pytorch (640 postings), Prompt Engineering (624 postings), Kubernetes (559 postings). Python dominates, appearing in the vast majority of role descriptions regardless of category. Cloud platform experience (AWS, GCP, Azure) is the second most common requirement. The newer entrants to the top skills list (RAG, vector databases, LLM APIs) reflect the shift from traditional ML toward generative AI applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on 378 roles with disclosed compensation, the median salary for Research Scientist positions is $222,200. Actual compensation varies by seniority, location, and company stage.
PhD strongly preferred for most roles. Deep expertise in a specific area (NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, multimodal) is expected. PyTorch is the standard. Publication track record matters. Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, optimization, and information theory are assumed.
About 15% of the 4,317 AI roles we track offer remote work. Remote availability varies by company and seniority level, with senior and leadership roles more likely to offer location flexibility.
University of Colorado is among the companies actively hiring for AI and ML talent. Check our company profiles for detailed breakdowns of open roles, salary ranges, and hiring trends.
Common next steps from Research Scientist positions include Research Lead, Distinguished Scientist, VP of Research. Progression depends on whether you lean toward technical depth, people management, or product strategy.

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